Tag: learning

Still working on our ‘things that grow’ lesson plan over here! This area could be dragged out for WEEKS if I wanted it to! However, I’ll probably wrap it up this week just to keep things fresh and new. Speaking of fresh and new, Saylor learned all about fruits and veggies today!

Sensory

Saylor has a bit of a diaper rash so I wanted to do sensory that allowed him to air his tush out. This tub has been one of my favorite items for sensory projects. I’ve filled it with water, leaves, flowers, sand, dirt, etc! It makes such a great observation area while keeping things contained. When I worked at a the daycare center we used sensory tubs that I am sure cost eighty dollars or more! This little tub has worked just fine and I am guessing it was under twenty bucks! So be creative if you’re getting a sensory tub and don’t feel the need to over spend.

The plastic vegetables we used can be found from Melissa and Doug. (one of my favorite toy brands) I requested these vegetables last Christmas on Saylor’s list. It’s important to instill the importance of good health from a young age. Kiddos learn from example and I wanted him to have examples of the best foods to eat! You will see that I sometimes use “fresh” fruits and veggies during a lesson plan and that is often because they are going bad and I don’t want to completely waste them. When I don’t have any of that around its nice to have these plastic fruits and veggies for permanent backup!

(Sensory)Math

I encouraged Saylor to count the vegetables as he found them in the bubble water. I also demonstrated counting them out loud on my own while he observed. I repeated this activity a few times to help him make connections. I usually only counted to about three or four-attempting not overwhelm him.

I encouraged Saylor to observe the shapes of each vegetable. I talked about the similarities of colors, shapes, and sizes while he observed. He also observed spacial dimensions while moving the vegetables around in the water.

(Sensory) Large Motor Skills

Saylor found it entertaining to throw the veggies down the porch steps! He watched them roll down the steps while observing the sounds. He used hand eye coordination and large motor skills to toss the veggies out of the tub. I retrieved them a few times so that he could practice his throw/aim. He practiced many squats while bending up and down to grasp the veggies from the tub!

(Sensory) Language

Saylor observed language the entire sensory activity. I constantly talk out loud about colors, shapes, numbers, textures, etc. I encouraged Saylor to repeat some of the simple words and he has made a few close attempts! 🙂 It’s always important to communicate about what you are doing with infants because they have no idea. They can observe what is happening around them but they want to learn how to connect these observations with words. They need our help! The more talking they hear from you, the easier it will be for them to learn words. So narrate the entire day basically! You are now their favorite author!

So as you can see this simple sensory project worked with three different learning areas. All I had to do was fill a tub with bubbles, water, plastic vegetables, and make an effort to communicate the learning areas! Saylor loves sensory and it’s one of the easiest way for a baby to make observations about the world. Ever wonder why they put EVERYTHING in their mouths? They are just like dogs in that way- it’s simply their way of observation. They haven’t learned how to communicate so they solely use their senses to explore the world. That’s why its so important that we teach them language, we can’t have them sucking on their feet forever, ha! 🙂

Language (Reading)

Saylor observed a couple books with fruits and vegetables! I encouraged him to turn pages on his own. Once he masters turning pages on his own, he will be more likely to read independently during his free play. I also think its important for him to have a purpose when we read. He is such an independent little man and wants to be included in the activities. Who doesn’t want their kid to enjoy reading though?! We all do. I read him pages of the books out loud. (when he let me before turning the page) I talked about colors, shapes, and words in the book while he observed. I pick up books at the library related to every lesson plan we do. I like to have them availible for Saylor as any time.

Music

For music we tapped the vegetables on Saylor’s Drum! He also decided to throw vegetables to make it all that more intense. I encouraged him to tap with the same beats I demonstrated. I also encouraged him to dance and sing along to various songs! (Also as I demonstrated, ha!) HE LOVED IT! Saylor thinks he is such a funny guy when he does a little dance. (probably because I laugh every time.)We (Mitch, me, and Saylor) all love this drum so much! It’s a REMO drum that our friends got Saylor for his birthday. He loves to express himself and make his own beats. We made the music relate to veggies today! (creative I know, HA!)

Again, I like to use some of our items for activity multiple times. It makes it easier and creates repetition. (helpful for babies when making connections) I used the plastic vegetables for sensory, music, math, language, and movement today! Score! Stay creative my friends!